In a transparent review of his initial months in office, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Arts, Paul Kessany, has detailed the significant progress made since his appointment on January 2, 2026. The data reveals a highly productive start, with 62.3% of the 53 planned initiatives already fully realized. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of the remaining projects have passed the halfway mark in their execution.
As Gabon enters a new era of governance, Paul Ulrich Kessany Zategwa has emerged as a pivotal figure in driving sectoral reform. One of his primary actions involved stabilizing the Conseil National de la Jeunesse du Gabon (CNJG) through the establishment of a dedicated normalization committee, a move designed to provide the nation’s youth with a more structured and effective representative body.
Revitalizing the sporting landscape
The sports sector has undergone a rigorous transformation under the minister’s guidance. Following a comprehensive audit, 13 Olympic federations have been officially regularized, marking the start of a broader effort to sanitize and professionalize national sports associations. Regarding infrastructure, Paul Kessany has set a clear two-year target to ensure the Panthères return to competing on home soil, addressing long-standing concerns over stadium readiness.
Cultural preservation and modernization have also seen substantial gains. The Bureau Gabonais des Droits d’Auteur (BUGADA) has been strengthened by the swearing-in of 21 new agents, alongside the successful digitization of 2,250 artistic works. In a significant move to protect national heritage, a decree issued on May 22, 2026, now regulates the commercial use of Iboga, shielding it from international exploitation. This period of activity was further highlighted by Gabon‘s impactful presence at FEMUA 18 in Abidjan, showcasing the country’s cultural influence on the regional stage.
